10 Common Causes of Armpit Pain

By jackie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy: Diagnosis and Management.' Matthew Zirwas; Jessica Moennich. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013594/
• 2. 'Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Axilla.' Amber Gordon. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547723/
• 3. ’Swollen Lymph Nodes: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia.’ medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003097.htm
• 4. 'Psoriasis: Overview.' ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279447/
• 5. 'Folliculitis.' Richard Winters. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/
• 6. 'Management Of Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, and Tinea Pedis: A Comprehensive Review.' Alok Sahoo; Rahul Mahajan. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4804599/
• 7. 'Intertrigo.' Timothy Nobles. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
• 8. '7 Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer.' stonybrookmedicine.edu/southbayobgyn/news-blog/breastcancerwarningsigns

Medical Expert

More About Us

Pain in the armpit, or axillary pain, is a common complaint. It may occur alone or be accompanied by a rash, swelling or lump. Armpit pain may be the result of something that's easy to identify, such as muscle strain or an allergic reaction to deodorant. Other times, the pain may be caused by something more serious.

Armpits have plenty to endure with shaving, sweating and friction from clothing. This warm, moist area may become a haven for bacteria, leading to infections and skin conditions. Whether it's a throbbing ache or a sharp pain, the cause of axillary pain determines how it's best addressed.

Skin Irritation

Irritated skin is a common cause of pain in the armpit. This may be the result of shaving or waxing or from clothing rubbing against the underarm. Irritated skin is usually harmless and resolves quickly.

Deodorants and antiperspirants are applied directly to the underarm. Many contain ingredients that may irritate the skin and lead to irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.¹‘Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy: Diagnosis and Management.’ Matthew Zirwas; Jessica Moennich. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013594/ Signs may include redness, swelling, tiny blisters, itching and pain in the armpit. Most cases of contact dermatitis aren't a cause for concern, and symptoms can be addressed by avoiding the allergen and using topical remedies, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.